

Coffee With Convery
Brien Convery
Explore how success isn’t just about climbing the corporate ladder—sometimes it’s about building your own jungle gym. From students to seasoned professionals, this career development podcast is your launchpad for job search strategies, personal branding, leadership growth, and workplace success. Dive into real-life career transitions, resume tips, interview preparation, mentorship, and future-ready skills. Produced by talent, for talent—empowering emerging professionals, entrepreneurs, and executives to thrive in today’s evolving job market. Listen now to level up your career!
Episodes
Mentioned books

Feb 20, 2025 • 25min
Legacy in Motion: Black History Month – Championing Social Justice, Mental Health, and Black Scholars with Dr. Camisha Sibblis
Welcome to Coffee with Convery, where we explore stories, insights, and careers that inspire the next generation. In this special edition of Legacy in Motion: Black History Month, we sit down with Dr. Camisha Sibblis - an influential leader in Social Justice, Mental Health, and Black Scholars. A 2024 honoree of 100 Accomplished Black Canadian Women and one of Canada’s Top 100 Black Women to Watch 2022, Dr. Sibblis is an Assistant Professor and the Director ofthe Black Scholars Institute at the University of Windsor. With a background spanning academia, psychotherapy, and social work, she has dedicated her career to dismantling systemic barriers and advocating for historically underrepresented communities. Whether you're navigating your first job, looking to make a meaningful career shift, or seeking ways to contribute to a more inclusive society, this conversation is for you.

Feb 18, 2025 • 31min
Legacy in Motion: Black History Month – Trailblazing health, technology and fitness with Jordan Robinson
Welcome to Coffee with Convery, where we explore the journeys of innovators and leaders who inspire us
to think differently about success, careers, and life.
In this special edition of Legacy in Motion: Black History Month, I’m excited to be joined by Jordan Robinson, a trailblazer in health, technology, and fitness. Jordan is the CEO and Founder of FTNSS, a groundbreaking marketplace making short-term gym memberships accessible anywhere in the world.
With a background spanning healthcare IT, music marketing, and chronic pain research, Jordan combines creativity, technology, and a passion for wellness in everything he
does. In this episode, we’ll unpack his unique career path, his perspectives on leadership and innovation, and how he defines success in work and life.
Let’s dive in!

Feb 13, 2025 • 27min
Legacy in Motion: Black History Month – Advancing Equity & Empowerment with Dr. Patience Adamu
Welcome to Coffee with Convery, where we explore stories, insights, and careers that inspire the next generation.
In this special edition of Legacy in Motion: Black History Month, we sit down with Dr. Patience Adamu—an influential leader in equity, diversity, and inclusion.
With a wealth of experience in social impact, policy, and education, she is dedicated to empowering historically underrepresented communities.
Whether you're navigating your first job, looking to make a meaningful career shift, or seeking ways to contribute to a more inclusive society, this conversation is for you.

Feb 11, 2025 • 1h 7min
Legacy in Motion: Black History Month – From Empowering Change to Building Community with Manny Almonte
Welcome back to another inspiring episode of Coffee with Convery.
This Black History Month, we introduce our Legacy in Motion series with a powerful conversation featuring Manny Almonte—a visionary leader dedicated to empowering men of color and fostering community transformation.
Manny is the founder of Mastermind Connect, a dynamic men’s collective, and the Young Masterminds Initiative, a nonprofit creating transformative experiences that help men of color connect with their passions, inner selves, and communities. His impact extends beyond city limits into the great outdoors, where he leads Camping to Connect, a pioneering BIPOC-led youth mentorship program promoting justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion.
Manny’s advocacy for nature accessibility shines through his award-winning short film, Wood Hood, which has sparked conversations on inclusion in outdoor spaces at national conferences and news outlets.
With a background in business and community building, Manny is also the principal of MA Reloaded, a boutique web design firm. Originally from the Dominican Republic and now based in Denver, Colorado, Manny lives with purpose—alongside his family and dogs—dedicated to driving lasting change.
Tune in to hear how Manny is putting Legacy in Motion and inspiring the next generation.

Feb 6, 2025 • 31min
Legacy in Motion: Black History Month – From Youth Advocacy to Criminology with Demetrius Watson-Williamson
In an era where the challenges facing at-risk youth are more complex than ever, Coffee with Convery continues its Legacy in Motion series with a conversation on justice, mentorship, and systemic change.
Joining us is Demetrius Watson-Williamson, a rising voice in criminology, to discuss the critical importance of intervention and support.
Currently pursuing his Master’s degree in Criminology after completing his BA at the University of Windsor, Demetrius brings a unique perspective shaped by both academic research and hands-on experience. He explores the systemic factors contributing to youth vulnerability, the innovative strategies he’s employing to drive positive change, and the essential role of mentorship and community engagement in fostering resilience.
This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in youth justice, advocacy, and building a more equitable future. Tune in as we continue to put Legacy in Motion.

Feb 4, 2025 • 46min
Legacy in Motion: Black History Month – Fostering Inclusion and Empowerment with Chris Studer
Welcome back to Coffee with Convery.
As part of our Legacy in Motion: Black History Month series, I’m honored to welcome Chris Studer to the show. Chris is a visionary leader, advocate, and changemaker dedicated to fostering inclusivity and creating positive social impact.
Chris is the Executive Director and co-founder of The Get REAL Movement, a nonprofit tackling homophobia and promoting inclusivity since 2011. Through authentic
conversations and impactful campaigns—like the To My Grade 7 Self video—Get REAL has transformed lives across Canada.
Beyond his advocacy, Chris has worked in branding, advertising, and non-profits, collaborating with brands like Nintendo, CIBC, and Coca-Cola.
As a Black man adopted from South America, his journey of embracing identity and allyship has inspired many.
Grab your coffee as we dive into Get REAL’s mission and impact with Chris Studer.

8 snips
Jan 30, 2025 • 52min
From Bruges to Building AI Empires with Alexander De Ridder
Join Alexander De Ridder, a coding prodigy turned AI innovator, as he shares his transformative journey from Bruges to building cutting-edge companies like SmythOS and INK. He discusses the significant impact of collaborative AI systems on business efficiency and the vital life lessons he's learned while balancing family and career. Dive into nostalgic memories of Belgium, the importance of genuine feedback, and the role of curiosity in creativity. Alexander also envisions the future of AI and its potential to shape society positively.

Jan 23, 2025 • 47min
2024's Top Episode: From Nano to Now with Tad Chisti!
🎙️ Start 2025 with a Dose of Career Inspiration! 🚀
We’re rewinding to the #1 most popular episode of Coffee with Convery featuring Tad Chisti, Head of Digital Experience Practice at IBM Canada. Fun fact: your host, Convery, hired Tad as an intern 10 years ago!
Get ready to dive into Tad’s incredible journey as he shares:- How to build diverse, high-performing teams- The surprising power of curiosity- His secret key to success
This is one story you can’t miss.
So, grab your favorite brew, settle in, and get ready to be inspired! ☕
For more career-boosting conversations, visit coffeewithconvery.com. 🚀

Dec 19, 2024 • 38min
From Beyond the Books to Launching an HR Career with Brandon Lapointe
Welcome to another inspiring episode of Coffee with Convery!
Today, I’m delighted to introduce Brandon Lapointe, an ambitious recent graduate from Sheridan College's Pilon School of Business. With a Bachelor of Business Administration specializing in Human Resources, Brandon is ready to take his next big step in the HR field.
Brandon’s journey showcases an impressive blend of hands-on customer service expertise, talent acquisition experience, and a knack for innovative problem-solving. His work with PC Express at Fortinos Supermarket highlights a commitment to excellence in customer relations, while his stint as a Talent Acquisition Recruiter at Gordon Food Service demonstrates his ability to connect talent with opportunity.
Brandon is now looking to channel these experiences into an impactful role where he can contribute to organizational success while continuing to grow as a professional.
If you’re on the lookout for a dedicated, driven, and innovative HR talent, you’ll want to tune in to hear his story. Let’s explore what makes Brandon a standout candidate for the future of work!

Dec 12, 2024 • 46min
From Accelerating Profits and Productivity to Powerful Relationships with Sanjay Padhiar
Welcome back to Coffee With Convery !
Today, we’re joined by Sanjay Padhiar, a dynamic business consultant and Fractional COO with over a decade of experience helping businesses streamline their operations 📈, improve processes 🔄, and, most importantly, turn customers into raving fans 😍.
Sanjay is the Principal Consultant at IMA Consulting 🏢, where he leverages his deep knowledge of business management to help companies like Loblaw, adidas, Reebok, Bell, and Staples 🏅 boost profits 💰 and productivity ⚙️.
His entrepreneurial journey 🚀 was inspired by his father’s approach to customer care 💖, and now Sanjay is on a mission to help businesses serve their customers better by enabling their employees to work smarter 🧠.
Let’s dive into Sanjay’s fascinating career journey 🌍, his insights on business 💼, and his advice for young professionals eager to make an impact! 👏